Harish Peradi’s protest against the director and chairman of the film academy, Ranjith. Harish came out against Ranjith through a video posted on Facebook. Harish starts the video by saying that this howling and barking is a protest against the behavior of Ranjith, who likened the protestors to dogs at the film festival held with the tax money of the public including himself.
Then Harish crooned to the tune of ‘Vande Mukunda Hare’ from Devasuram. After barking two or three times, Harish ended the video after giving a warning not to repeat this mischief. Ranjith’s statement that mass protests are like dogs being brought down was controversial when Harish came forward.
Ranjith had to face the mob at the closing stage of the 27th International Film Festival. When Ranjith arrived for his welcome speech, the crowd roared. Delegates who did not get tickets came out in protest. However, Ranjith’s response was that Kooval was not a virgin for him who came through SFI. Started life at SFI in 1976. So this is not an issue. He clarified that no one should try and fail.
The delegates protested during the streaming of Lijo Jose Pellissery’s Nanpakal Nereth Mayakkum. The protest was based on complaints about not getting a seat, management and online booking. Those who protested in this way were arrested and removed by the police.